WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
IN MALAYSIA, NEARLY 70% OF ALL PROSTATE CANCER CASES ARE DIAGNOSED AT ADVANCED STAGES
In light of this, on 26 November 2024, Novartis Malaysia and Beacon Hospital collaborated to highlight the critical importance of early detection of prostate cancer.
It also focused on sharing the recent breakthroughs in prostate cancer diagnostics and treatments, including prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) screening and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).
PSMA SCREENING
 FEATURED EXPERTDR LINGESWARAN KASILINGAM Consultant Nuclear Medicine Physician Beacon Hospital |
- PSMA imaging test allows for precise detection of cancer cells at an earlier stage.
- Dr Lingeswaran Kasilingam tells us: “PSMA screening enables us to intervene sooner and create personalized treatment plans for each patient with the possibility of assessing suitability for radioligand therapy.”
| Radioligand therapy or RLT is a targeted cancer treatment that combines a radioactive isotope with a molecule or ligand that specifically binds to cancer cells. The ligand acts like a homing device, delivering the radioactive material directly to the tumour cells. This helps to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. |
STEREOTACTIC BODY RADIOTHERAPY
 FEATURED EXPERTDATO’ DR MOHAMED IBRAHIM A WAHID Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Medical Director Beacon Hospital |
- Dato’ Dr Mohamed Ibrahim A Wahid tells us: “SBRT allows us to deliver high doses of radiation directly to the tumour with extreme precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue,” he explains.
- He adds: “For patients with advanced-stage prostate cancer, this approach means fewer treatment sessions, reduced side effects, and ultimately a better quality of life.”
COMMITTED TO RAISING AWARENESS & SUPPORTING CANCER PATIENTS
During the event, Novartis Malaysia unveiled the ICanCare app, a digital platform that provides appointment and medication reminders, educational resources, and psychosocial service support.
This app was developed with the aim of improving outcomes and quality of life for prostate cancer patients, particularly those in rural areas or with limited mobility.
It can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or through the Apple App Store.
A CALL TO ALL MEN
Novartis Malaysia and Beacon Hospital call upon all Malaysian men to prioritize their health and consider the benefits of early prostate cancer screening.
By raising awareness and expanding access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options, they hope to reduce the number of late-stage diagnoses and offer men and their families a path forward with hope and resilience.
| This article is part of our series on notable health-related events and milestones. |
